My “exotic” travelling days ground to an abrupt halt a while ago and I have contemplated shutting down this blog for good. However, when you think about it, there is so much to see and do in one’s own neighbourhood, or even just the backyard, that I have made a renewed commitment to posting on a regular basis.

I am just back from my walk. These days the ice is frozen solid and with each wind event or snow fall (although we have had very few of them this winter… yeah!!) there are changes on the ice. For a while now I have noticed how the wind creates amazing natural art on Buffalo Pound Lake. About two weeks ago I began to notice hearts everywhere I looked. So, my Miksang and Haiku blog will feature hearts in nature all of February.

Here are a few examples of what I have discovered on my (nearly) daily excursions:

I brave the wind by bundling up in my warm winter coat, pull up my well-insulated boots and make sure I carry my favourite mittens bought in Yellowknife in 2013 (best investment ever!). Within a few minutes I acclimatize to the weather and when the sun shines it’s much easier to take! Who needs to pack suitcases, battle flight schedules and crowds in hopes that relaxation time is awaiting at the destination? Solitude and opportunities to experience life in the moment can be found close to home. 😉 For me it is mind over matter… sometimes the mind holds me back but when I overcome my own arguments I am always grateful for venturing outside.

Look around you, indooors or out – it’s a phenomenal world worth seeing!